Filmmaking is a passion for 19-year-old Fredericton resident Brock Jorgensen, who likes to make short movies with his friends through a small production company called BJ Productions.
Filming sessions are a chance to have fun with friends, Jorgensen said, but one evening last February, a routine shoot became a harrowing night he'll never forget.
"We were filming an action thriller," he said. "I opened a window to get some natural light and, by chance, an off-duty police officer drove by and saw my buddy in the window with one of our fake [airsoft]AK-47s."
Jorgensen said his crew was using realistic-looking airsoft guns, which shoot plastic airsoft pellets and are used for games similar to paintball. Many airsoft guns are made to look as genuine as possible, using full-metal construction and slides that move when fired.
Jorgensen's collection includes replicas of well-known airsoft firearms, such as the MP5 submachine-gun, which is prohibited in Canada.
Unbeknownst to the high school students, the whole area had been quietly cordoned off by police.
"They had the whole street blocked off, and a SWAT team surrounding the area," Jorgensen said. "We had no idea."
Just after the crew packed up their cars and drove off, Jorgensen got a terrified text message from the friend who lives in the home where the filming took place.
"Dave texted me saying: "Why is there a SWAT team busting into my house right now!? They have tear gas and assault rifles and they're holding me down right now."
Soon a female officer approached Jorgensen, who was watching the scene, and asked where the guns were. He opened his trunk to reveal the realistic-looking airsoft toys.
"You mean our props?" he said. "She saw they were fake. . . . You should have seen the look on her face."
Jorgensen and his friends laughed at the time, but Fredericton police Const. Rick Mooney said this issue is no joke. He said this incident brought airsoft toy guns to the forefront, although they're not a pressing issue on a day-to-day basis.
"The realistic nature of these imitation airsoft toy guns poses a serious threat to both the public and police safety," Mooney wrote in a news release is-sued following the incident. "These airsoft replicas cannot easily be distinguished from real firearms, especially under stressful situations."
Jorgensen spent the next three days under questioning at the Fredericton police station. Police told him if filming continued half-an-hour longer, the SWAT team may have began shooting through the windows.
After police photographed his airsoft guns, he had to pay a $2 fee to register each toy. He received numbered registration stickers for each, which he later removed.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Toy guns can cause real problem
Two people charged last week after allegedly pointing a toy airsoft gun at a woman driving a vehicle on Md. 97 are lucky that they only face a few criminal charges and that the incident didn’t end more badly than it did.
The woman called police saying a passenger in another vehicle pointed a large [airsoft] rifle out the window at her. When police responded and stopped the car, they found that the gun was an Airsoft gun, which shoots non-metallic airsoft BB pellets.
Most toy airsoft guns manufactured today are identifiable because they have orange tips on the airsoft gun barrels or some other feature that allows people to quickly distinguish them as airsoft toys. In this case, police say the colored tip had been painted black.
What those involved in this incident and others who may have done similar things in the past probably didn’t think of, however, is that police responding to a call involving someone pointing a gun at someone else aren’t going to know that the gun is an airsoft toy.
Instances of people pointing or even firing weapons at people in other vehicles are not common, but they do happen. Instances of police responding to homes where people are brandishing guns are more common. In every case, however, police in most cases have only seconds to assess the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves and any innocent victims who may be involved.
Getting a call about someone pointing what looked like an assault rifle at someone in another vehicle likely had police on high alert and ready for any contingency. Those accused are lucky that the police were able to stop them and quickly determine the gun was an airsoft toy.
Lt. Jim DeWees, commander of the Westminster barrack of the Maryland State Police, told the Times that toy airsoft guns can look real, especially from a distance, and that people who are using them need to exercise care.
“People just need to be more responsible when it comes to this,” DeWees said.
The woman called police saying a passenger in another vehicle pointed a large [airsoft] rifle out the window at her. When police responded and stopped the car, they found that the gun was an Airsoft gun, which shoots non-metallic airsoft BB pellets.
Most toy airsoft guns manufactured today are identifiable because they have orange tips on the airsoft gun barrels or some other feature that allows people to quickly distinguish them as airsoft toys. In this case, police say the colored tip had been painted black.
What those involved in this incident and others who may have done similar things in the past probably didn’t think of, however, is that police responding to a call involving someone pointing a gun at someone else aren’t going to know that the gun is an airsoft toy.
Instances of people pointing or even firing weapons at people in other vehicles are not common, but they do happen. Instances of police responding to homes where people are brandishing guns are more common. In every case, however, police in most cases have only seconds to assess the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves and any innocent victims who may be involved.
Getting a call about someone pointing what looked like an assault rifle at someone in another vehicle likely had police on high alert and ready for any contingency. Those accused are lucky that the police were able to stop them and quickly determine the gun was an airsoft toy.
Lt. Jim DeWees, commander of the Westminster barrack of the Maryland State Police, told the Times that toy airsoft guns can look real, especially from a distance, and that people who are using them need to exercise care.
“People just need to be more responsible when it comes to this,” DeWees said.
"Every boy will walk tall, when he wears a holster and pistol . . ."
It’s been just over 23 years since section four of the Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 went into effect, forcing manufacturers of toy airsoft guns to implement both a solid “blaze orange” muzzle to the end of the airsoft gun’s barrel as well as a “marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the airsoft gun barrel.” While New York City had already instituted a ban in 1955 on the sale, use, and possession of toy and imitation airsoft guns that resembled firearms, the iron fist of federal law forced the rest of the country to follow suit in the late 80s, and toys like the NES Zapper morphed from its original dark-gray model to a bright-orange monstrosity—of course, the Zapper still killed video-game ducks, but it was in a strange, different kind of way.
However, once the federal law was passed, it became easy to paint over the orange markings. Airsoft and paintball guns, for instance, are required to have orange barrels or markinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs when sold, but they're often painted by their owners to hide any bright markings that can be spotted during play. From a slight distance, an airsoft gun probably won't look much different than a deadly, real-bullet-shooting firearm.
Unsurprisingly, imitation and airsoft toy guns are still being used in robberies and are still causing controversy in schools. Just recently an eighth grader in Texas believed to be holding a real gun was shot and killed by police. And in 2010, a small media frenzy swarmed upon a fourth grader who was reprimanded for bringing a two-inch-long Lego gun to school.
Considering there are still ongoing issues with toy airsoft guns some two decades later, it's wild to revisit classic, pre-1988 toy-gun commercials. Companies like Mattel wanted guns to look as realistic as possible—in fact they reveled in it. Eight-year-olds toting fake airsoft firearms were advertised as badasses, and a commercial's micro-plot would often revolve around fending off bad guys with cap-loaded pistols. Detective kits were being hawked, complete with tommy guns (automatic bolt action!), snub-nosed revolvers, and snap-draw shoulder holsters.
Into the 80s, the objective stayed the same but just grew louder and more intense. Water guns mimicking AK-47s were being pushed based on their realistic firing sounds, and laser tag stepped into the realm of social relevance, inexplicably climbing in popularity.
Below are a handful of videos of classic toy-gun commercials I plucked from the Internet:
The kid's smile during the tommy-gun description is almost maniacal. His outfit is pretty snazzy, though, I guess.
"It's seven guns in one, let's count them."
The early shot of the kid loading bullets in the gun is straight chilling and a little too real.
"Surprise, out comes your secret derringer . . . Multi-Pistol 09! Multi-Pistol 09! Multi-Pistol 09!"
The 80s were so big and loud. Get a look at the rocket water launcher about 20 seconds in. That thing is just unnecessary.
"Be the ultimate laser warrior."
However, once the federal law was passed, it became easy to paint over the orange markings. Airsoft and paintball guns, for instance, are required to have orange barrels or markinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs when sold, but they're often painted by their owners to hide any bright markings that can be spotted during play. From a slight distance, an airsoft gun probably won't look much different than a deadly, real-bullet-shooting firearm.
Unsurprisingly, imitation and airsoft toy guns are still being used in robberies and are still causing controversy in schools. Just recently an eighth grader in Texas believed to be holding a real gun was shot and killed by police. And in 2010, a small media frenzy swarmed upon a fourth grader who was reprimanded for bringing a two-inch-long Lego gun to school.
Considering there are still ongoing issues with toy airsoft guns some two decades later, it's wild to revisit classic, pre-1988 toy-gun commercials. Companies like Mattel wanted guns to look as realistic as possible—in fact they reveled in it. Eight-year-olds toting fake airsoft firearms were advertised as badasses, and a commercial's micro-plot would often revolve around fending off bad guys with cap-loaded pistols. Detective kits were being hawked, complete with tommy guns (automatic bolt action!), snub-nosed revolvers, and snap-draw shoulder holsters.
Into the 80s, the objective stayed the same but just grew louder and more intense. Water guns mimicking AK-47s were being pushed based on their realistic firing sounds, and laser tag stepped into the realm of social relevance, inexplicably climbing in popularity.
Below are a handful of videos of classic toy-gun commercials I plucked from the Internet:
The kid's smile during the tommy-gun description is almost maniacal. His outfit is pretty snazzy, though, I guess.
"It's seven guns in one, let's count them."
The early shot of the kid loading bullets in the gun is straight chilling and a little too real.
"Surprise, out comes your secret derringer . . . Multi-Pistol 09! Multi-Pistol 09! Multi-Pistol 09!"
The 80s were so big and loud. Get a look at the rocket water launcher about 20 seconds in. That thing is just unnecessary.
"Be the ultimate laser warrior."
Teenager with gun in KATU video arrested
PORTLAND, Ore. - A 17-year-old boy was arrested Friday after he was recorded by a KATU News crew last week carrying a handgun and being chased near the Lloyd Center MAX stop.
The gun, police said, turned out to be an Airsoft pistol, but the orange tip that distinguished it from a real handgun had been removed from the airsoft gun.
The 17-year-old was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct and was excluded from riding TriMet buses or MAX trains, police said.
Last Friday, a KATU News crew happened to arrive at the MAX stop to work on a story about crime on MAX trains when it recorded on video the teenager running with the airsoft gun from a volunteer safety patrol group known as the Guardian Angels.
The group had apparently confronted the teenager at or near the MAX stop when he took off running. Two safety patrol members pursued him but the teenager outran them.
Police used KATU’s video to assist in identifying the suspect. They contacted the teenager who agreed to turn himself in.
The gun, police said, turned out to be an Airsoft pistol, but the orange tip that distinguished it from a real handgun had been removed from the airsoft gun.
The 17-year-old was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct and was excluded from riding TriMet buses or MAX trains, police said.
Last Friday, a KATU News crew happened to arrive at the MAX stop to work on a story about crime on MAX trains when it recorded on video the teenager running with the airsoft gun from a volunteer safety patrol group known as the Guardian Angels.
The group had apparently confronted the teenager at or near the MAX stop when he took off running. Two safety patrol members pursued him but the teenager outran them.
Police used KATU’s video to assist in identifying the suspect. They contacted the teenager who agreed to turn himself in.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
StressVest adds realism to force-on-force training
Force-on-force training is a critical part of any law enforcement officer’s basic and in-service education. Basic skills learned by shooting holes in a paper target or striking a pad or training dummy don’t translate well to a world where the targets move on their own, hide behind things, and shoot or hit back. There is no substitute for introducing a live opponent into the fight.
Those live opponents come with their own set of complexities. Using paintball, Airsoft, or Simunition weapons means protecting the participants from injury, and that involves wearing goggles, face masks and possibly heavy gloves that detract from the realism of the scenario. The best simulation training duplicates the real world as closely as possible.
That’s what the makers of the StressVest system are going for with their “stress inoculation training” system.
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All in the Family
The StressVest is an offshoot of and uses the same technology as the ShocKnife, made by the same company. The problem the ShocKnife tries to address is the same — realistic simulation training. Most edged-weapon defense training has to be done with dull or rubber knives for obvious reasons — it won’t do to have trainees finish up the course with gaping, open wounds. Yet, there’s no negative reinforcement to being “cut” with a rubber knife. The ShocKnife uses a harmless but painful high voltage, low amperage jolt of electricity to zap anyone who comes in contact with the blade. The reinforcement is realistic and immediate.
The StressVest extrapolates the concept to the entire upper body and even extremities with a vest worn over the trainee’s shirt. When the laser-sensitive panels on the front and back are struck with the beam from a laser emitter in an opponent’s firearm, the wearer gets a very brief but painful shock. The vest can be set up for varying intensities of shock, and can even be set to require multiple laser hits before delivering the shock. Accessory panels for the arms can extend the sensation to the extremities.
The basic model of the StressVest is manually activated by a trainer before a scenario begins. An “RF” (radio frequency) model uses a car key-type wireless fob to activate or deactivate the vest(s) at the instructor’s command. The vests themselves are powered by a standard 9V battery.
Tremendous Training Value
The triggering laser beams come from bullet-size emitters that drop into regular sidearms or shotguns equipped with a retrofit kit, or from special dedicated simulation firearms that will fit in regular duty holsters but are incapable of firing projectile ammunition. Which are best suited is largely dependent on the type of firearms in use by your trainees. Sidearms that fire double-action without manual recocking will work with the drop-in hardware, but weapons like the Glock — which requires racking of the slide to reset the trigger — aren’t suited for that type of adapter.
Used effectively, the value of this kind of reinforcement is tremendous. Early simulation training would end when a bad guy got the drop on the police trainee, firing a blank cartridge followed by a grim, “you’re dead.” Eventually trainers got the idea they were conditioning cops to stop fighting and die if they got shot, and the mantra of “never give up while there’s still a breath left in you” became the watchword. Still, trainees didn’t have to fight through anything except physical resistance from the simulated bad guys until paintballs, Airsoft and Simunitions came into play, and it hurt to get popped with one of those projectiles. The StressVest maintains that same sense of realism but eliminates the need for special protective gear and an environment tolerant of stray paintballs and similar decoration.
Introduction of gear like this requires careful supervision and policy writing. Cops are born pranksters, and any device capable of delivering a painless but harmless shock is going to be used in a practical joke faster than you can say “hostile workplace lawsuit.” Everyone with access to the equipment has to understand how it is to be used, and that penalties for willful misuse will be swift, sure and severe.
This is not inexpensive hardware. The price of a single basic model of the StressVest is $1,999.00, with discounts for multiple units purchased as a package. Their website includes several videos, testimonials, a price list, and other details.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Fighting for fun is air-gun battle station’s business
Fans of urban warfare finally have a place where they can target each other in Wichita.
All in good fun, of course.Wichita Indoor Airsoft opened this month in the Kellogg Crossing Center. Housed in a former call center, it’s a maze of about 20 rooms built of two-by-fours and plywood and containing airsoft obstacles such as oil drums and the remnants of a Halloween haunted house.Up front there’s a snack bar and counter where airsoft equipment can be rented.
The setup is conducive to simulated “CQB," or close quarters battle, as opposed to air-gun battles that take place outdoors.
“This is a lot faster paced" than outdoor battle games, said Sean Black, who manages the airsoft facility. “You’re a lot closer. You’re going to room to room and there are obstacles to go around, which is real popular.
"In the [airsoft] games, teams of up to 15 people start at either end of the 15,000-square-foot space and make their way toward each other, attempting to shoot each other with plastic 6-millimeter [airsoft] balls fired from [airsoft] guns modeled after assault weapons.
One hit and a player is eliminated from the game. A referee monitors all games to resolve disputes and make sure there’s no cheating, Black said. Among other things, players are prohibited from firing blindly around corners and shooting each other from within five feet. Violations of rules can result in [airsoft] players being banned for the day or permanently.
Goggles, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required, although Black said the airsoft pellets don’t travel at a velocity high enough to penetrate skin. Still, being hit can sting, which is why Black also recommends that [airsoft] players wear gloves.
“It’s not real painful, but it’s enough to let you know you’ve been hit," Black said. “I’ve taken a shot in the knuckles, and that’s the last place you want to get hit."
An all-day pass costs $20 and airsoft gun rental is another $15, although players can bring their own. The airsoft facility is open to the public Friday through Sunday and available for private rental during the week.
Black said airsoft gun battle games appeal to a wide range of people, but especially those who enjoy video games simulating warfare.
“I think the biggest thing is the realism," he said. “What’s popular is the first-person shooter video games. You’re essentially doing that for real, but it’s still just a game."Black said his boss, Rick Kite, first applied for a permit to open about three years ago but was turned down by the city of Wichita, apparently because of an ordinance restricting the discharge of air-powered guns in the city. Then this fall, Kite finally got the go-ahead, Black said.
Kite also owns BB Airsoft World, a shop at 106 S. West St. that sells air-powered guns and airsoft accessories.“At the end of the day, it’s indoor entertainment," Black said of the air-gun battleground. “It’s no different than playing laser tag or indoor miniature golf."
All in good fun, of course.Wichita Indoor Airsoft opened this month in the Kellogg Crossing Center. Housed in a former call center, it’s a maze of about 20 rooms built of two-by-fours and plywood and containing airsoft obstacles such as oil drums and the remnants of a Halloween haunted house.Up front there’s a snack bar and counter where airsoft equipment can be rented.
The setup is conducive to simulated “CQB," or close quarters battle, as opposed to air-gun battles that take place outdoors.
“This is a lot faster paced" than outdoor battle games, said Sean Black, who manages the airsoft facility. “You’re a lot closer. You’re going to room to room and there are obstacles to go around, which is real popular.
"In the [airsoft] games, teams of up to 15 people start at either end of the 15,000-square-foot space and make their way toward each other, attempting to shoot each other with plastic 6-millimeter [airsoft] balls fired from [airsoft] guns modeled after assault weapons.
One hit and a player is eliminated from the game. A referee monitors all games to resolve disputes and make sure there’s no cheating, Black said. Among other things, players are prohibited from firing blindly around corners and shooting each other from within five feet. Violations of rules can result in [airsoft] players being banned for the day or permanently.
Goggles, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required, although Black said the airsoft pellets don’t travel at a velocity high enough to penetrate skin. Still, being hit can sting, which is why Black also recommends that [airsoft] players wear gloves.
“It’s not real painful, but it’s enough to let you know you’ve been hit," Black said. “I’ve taken a shot in the knuckles, and that’s the last place you want to get hit."
An all-day pass costs $20 and airsoft gun rental is another $15, although players can bring their own. The airsoft facility is open to the public Friday through Sunday and available for private rental during the week.
Black said airsoft gun battle games appeal to a wide range of people, but especially those who enjoy video games simulating warfare.
“I think the biggest thing is the realism," he said. “What’s popular is the first-person shooter video games. You’re essentially doing that for real, but it’s still just a game."Black said his boss, Rick Kite, first applied for a permit to open about three years ago but was turned down by the city of Wichita, apparently because of an ordinance restricting the discharge of air-powered guns in the city. Then this fall, Kite finally got the go-ahead, Black said.
Kite also owns BB Airsoft World, a shop at 106 S. West St. that sells air-powered guns and airsoft accessories.“At the end of the day, it’s indoor entertainment," Black said of the air-gun battleground. “It’s no different than playing laser tag or indoor miniature golf."
Monday, December 19, 2011
Kids Line Up To Sit With Santa
With less than a week til Christmas, everyone is busy, finishing last minute shopping. But no one is as busy as the big man --- Santa Claus. Today, we stopped by the mall, where he was taking a break from toy making, to find out what good little girls and boys want for Christmas, and they had their lists ready!
"A big lawnmower," said Robby Kennedy, just 2 and a half years old.
Three year old Braden Skidmore said he wants a monster truck and Madison McDaniel planned to ask Santa for a trampoline.
Gift requests ranged from new sports equipment, to hunting supplies, and even a few toy trucks and dolls. But Santa says this year, the big surprise for him, is the number of little kids asking for big kid gifts.
"The one thing that's really struck me this year was a lot of electronics. Ipods, Ipads, even kindles for kids that's I would think- 'What would you do with this?'," Santa said.
And there were plenty of those requests to go around.
"I wanted an Ipad and a 3DS and a dairy queen blizzard maker," said 6 year old Brayden Marshall.
His 4 year old brother Ben planned to ask fora "toy laptop. And I got my picture made with Santa at my school."
"X-Box360 with connect and an airsoft gun," is what 7 year old Jack McDaniel hopes to find Sunday morning. And Tabitha Yoder told us she wants an X-Box, too.
And for those who give Santa their list...but don't quite believe he's the real thing....
"Of course! I'm here and I feel pretty really and if they wanna check the beard or pinch me to see if I'm real and that usually satisfies most young ones," said Santa.
And if you haven't gotten a chance to give Santa your list yet, don't worry. He tells us he'll be at the mall til it closes on Christmas Eve, when he'll head back to the North Pole and start his busy night!
"A big lawnmower," said Robby Kennedy, just 2 and a half years old.
Three year old Braden Skidmore said he wants a monster truck and Madison McDaniel planned to ask Santa for a trampoline.
Gift requests ranged from new sports equipment, to hunting supplies, and even a few toy trucks and dolls. But Santa says this year, the big surprise for him, is the number of little kids asking for big kid gifts.
"The one thing that's really struck me this year was a lot of electronics. Ipods, Ipads, even kindles for kids that's I would think- 'What would you do with this?'," Santa said.
And there were plenty of those requests to go around.
"I wanted an Ipad and a 3DS and a dairy queen blizzard maker," said 6 year old Brayden Marshall.
His 4 year old brother Ben planned to ask fora "toy laptop. And I got my picture made with Santa at my school."
"X-Box360 with connect and an airsoft gun," is what 7 year old Jack McDaniel hopes to find Sunday morning. And Tabitha Yoder told us she wants an X-Box, too.
And for those who give Santa their list...but don't quite believe he's the real thing....
"Of course! I'm here and I feel pretty really and if they wanna check the beard or pinch me to see if I'm real and that usually satisfies most young ones," said Santa.
And if you haven't gotten a chance to give Santa your list yet, don't worry. He tells us he'll be at the mall til it closes on Christmas Eve, when he'll head back to the North Pole and start his busy night!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Police officers help local children finish their Christmas shopping
Christian Mattson was a teenager on a mission Saturday morning in Longview, darting down aisles and filling his shopping cart with gifts for his parents and two brothers.
With the help of Castle Rock police reserve officer Chris Koehler and a $125 donated gift card, Christian scanned aisles and double checked prices, replacing items when he found a more thrifty alternative during the annual Shop with a Cop program.
"My mom's really good at bargain shopping so I'm trying to do that," the 13-year-old explained.
And only after all of his family's presents were safely in the cart did Christian look for anything for himself, finally selecting a hat and T-shirt after deciding an airsoft gun and a coat were both too expensive.
"That's the way it is with most of the kids," said Sgt. Scott Neves of the Castle Rock Police Department, who said he had to almost twist Troy Werly's arm to get the Castle Rock 12-year-old to get something for himself. "That's why I like doing this so much."
Ninety local children from Vader to Woodland received the extra help with their purchases this year thanks to the programs organized by police Chaplain Steve White and, new this year, the police departments in the southern part of the county.
The Shop with a Cop program matches children from lower income families with a police officer to shop for Christmas gifts. In addition to helping with the kids' shopping lists, organizers like to give the children exposure to police in a friendly, non-threatening setting. And the officers say they have a blast playing Santa with the kids.
"It's really fun for us," Castle Rock Police Officer Charlie Worley said. "We get to show them we're human too and that we like to have fun and joke around."
Longview and Kelso police officers shopped with elementary students from their towns — Longview at the Seventh Avenue Walmart on Friday and Kelso at Target on Saturday. Castle Rock Police Department and Cowlitz County sheriff's deputies visited the Ocean Beach Highway Walmart Saturday with middle school students from Castle Rock, Toutle and Vader. Those three shopping sprees were paid for with $12,000 in donations, including $2,000 each from the two Longview Walmarts, White said.
Further south, officers from the Woodland, Kalama and Ridgefield police departments and representatives form the sheriff's office held their first Shop with a Cop program Saturday as well.
They helped 30 children shop at the Woodland Walmart, thanks to a $3,300 donation from the Woodland Walmart, as well as donations from General Mills and the officers. Shoppers also donated money after witnessing the event, according to Woodland police. Each child had $100 to spend and organizers are already planning next year's event, Woodland Police Chief Rob Stephenson wrote in a statement.
As the children rang up their purchases in Longview on Saturday, officers said over and over again how impressed they were to see the children forgoing extra gifts for themselves in order to share with their families. The children, though, said being able to give gifts was a present in itself.
"It's fun to be able to buy something for them," Troy Werly said. "Usually I just make cards."
"I think it's going to be really fun to see the expressions on their faces when they open these up," said 12-year-old Justise Anderson of Castle Rock.
With the help of Castle Rock police reserve officer Chris Koehler and a $125 donated gift card, Christian scanned aisles and double checked prices, replacing items when he found a more thrifty alternative during the annual Shop with a Cop program.
"My mom's really good at bargain shopping so I'm trying to do that," the 13-year-old explained.
And only after all of his family's presents were safely in the cart did Christian look for anything for himself, finally selecting a hat and T-shirt after deciding an airsoft gun and a coat were both too expensive.
"That's the way it is with most of the kids," said Sgt. Scott Neves of the Castle Rock Police Department, who said he had to almost twist Troy Werly's arm to get the Castle Rock 12-year-old to get something for himself. "That's why I like doing this so much."
Ninety local children from Vader to Woodland received the extra help with their purchases this year thanks to the programs organized by police Chaplain Steve White and, new this year, the police departments in the southern part of the county.
The Shop with a Cop program matches children from lower income families with a police officer to shop for Christmas gifts. In addition to helping with the kids' shopping lists, organizers like to give the children exposure to police in a friendly, non-threatening setting. And the officers say they have a blast playing Santa with the kids.
"It's really fun for us," Castle Rock Police Officer Charlie Worley said. "We get to show them we're human too and that we like to have fun and joke around."
Longview and Kelso police officers shopped with elementary students from their towns — Longview at the Seventh Avenue Walmart on Friday and Kelso at Target on Saturday. Castle Rock Police Department and Cowlitz County sheriff's deputies visited the Ocean Beach Highway Walmart Saturday with middle school students from Castle Rock, Toutle and Vader. Those three shopping sprees were paid for with $12,000 in donations, including $2,000 each from the two Longview Walmarts, White said.
Further south, officers from the Woodland, Kalama and Ridgefield police departments and representatives form the sheriff's office held their first Shop with a Cop program Saturday as well.
They helped 30 children shop at the Woodland Walmart, thanks to a $3,300 donation from the Woodland Walmart, as well as donations from General Mills and the officers. Shoppers also donated money after witnessing the event, according to Woodland police. Each child had $100 to spend and organizers are already planning next year's event, Woodland Police Chief Rob Stephenson wrote in a statement.
As the children rang up their purchases in Longview on Saturday, officers said over and over again how impressed they were to see the children forgoing extra gifts for themselves in order to share with their families. The children, though, said being able to give gifts was a present in itself.
"It's fun to be able to buy something for them," Troy Werly said. "Usually I just make cards."
"I think it's going to be really fun to see the expressions on their faces when they open these up," said 12-year-old Justise Anderson of Castle Rock.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Man arrested for shooting kitten
TAVERNIER, Fla., Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Authorities in Florida said a man was charged with animal cruelty after he admitted to shooting a kitten with an airsoft rifle, killing the feline.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said a guest at Ocean Point Condos in Tavernier was watching a mother cat and two kittens below his balcony Monday night when he heard a "pop" and one of the kittens shook, twitched and died, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Friday.
The guest told deputies he saw an airsoft gun barrel protruding over the edge of a nearby balcony, where investigators found Kenneth Ellis, 68, of Naples.
Ellis, who had an airsoft rifle with a scope attached inside the condo, admitted to shooting the kitten, deputies said.
Ellis was jailed on a cruelty to animals charge.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The key reason why Airsoft might Smash Paintball
Equally airsoft and paintball really are both hobbies in line with replica
guns and wargames. Will this be this unsafe? That depends more so within the
individual themselves rather than the hobby. A need for seeking an activity
that includes weaponry mainly gets detrimental if it come to extremes — which
is true of most ideas in living. Paintball and airsoft may not be morbid
hobbies in support of run chance of it being risky and damaging people.
Airsoft is really a somewhat numerous sport. The airsoft guns included in an
airsoft game tends to be both discussion pieces as well as practical sports
‘weapons’. Airsoft guns and airsoft pistols are designed for firing equally
small naff pellets and additionally paint filled pellets so it can be useful
both in the sport itself and even for outdoor property target procedure.
Airsoft guns come in a huge range of styles along with models. They can
range from a Glock handgun to a sniper rifle for a CAR15 invasion rifle.
Airsoft guns are utilized equally at home hanging in your livingroom or perhaps
at use relating to playing and participating in field. You can even go in terms
of buying the airsoft minigun. Many airsoft supporters simply get hold of the airsoft
guns without having to get involved in airsoft wargames in any way. This will
be quite similar as various sword extractors – many people display this weapons
at home but will not go playing around waving them all at people today.
Paintball itself is mostly an additional mobile or portable activity. It
requires a specifically better standard of physical health, mobility and also
skill – if you happen to play paintball then you definitely got to have the
ability to move swift. The paintball guns by themselves usually are useful
consequently as they are only created to serve the aim of the paintball sport
versus looking wonderful. Paintball rifles are created to take a true beating
concerning their utility. Paintball fans fall into the ‘extreme sport’ category
and luxuriate in the genuine adrenaline of each and every paintball match as
they are driven from the desire to win.
The significant difference stands out as the power within the guns itself.
Paintball paints are driven by big powered petrol cylinders, unlike airsoft
rifles that fire projectiles possibly through arises, electronic heating mechanisms
or perhaps with pressurized gas. The catch is that the majority of airsoft
weapons lack accuracy of the larger paintball guns simply because were never
built with long range fire at heart.
Regardless about whether that you are a paintball buff or a good airsoft
fanatic, it’s required to take correct safety precautions in using these sport
firearms. Proper eyes protection as safety goggles should always be used, and
desirable protective clothing to hide your the neck and throat and superior
torso also need to be distressed. Even though a lot of people see these sport weapons
as gadgets, they are capable of causing injury either with an accident or maybe
deliberate malice.
If ever the purpose would be to accumulated guns like a leisure process, Airsoft
benefits. Airsoft is good for collecting and playing. However being a hobby,
paintball is in fact the foremost worthwhile. Paintball is usually a sport that
can actually get evaluated, be upgraded, and. made available to the common
people.
This is precisely why paintball will probably end up being crushed by airsoft.
This survey might be rude to a few paintballers available, yet I really believe
the actual report holds true.
The fact is that neither airsoft nor paintball is superior. They’re both a
case of exclusive preference. For everybody who is enjoys the extreme sports
form, then paintball should suit you will more. If you might be more of a
collector, then airsoft.
guns and wargames. Will this be this unsafe? That depends more so within the
individual themselves rather than the hobby. A need for seeking an activity
that includes weaponry mainly gets detrimental if it come to extremes — which
is true of most ideas in living. Paintball and airsoft may not be morbid
hobbies in support of run chance of it being risky and damaging people.
Airsoft is really a somewhat numerous sport. The airsoft guns included in an
airsoft game tends to be both discussion pieces as well as practical sports
‘weapons’. Airsoft guns and airsoft pistols are designed for firing equally
small naff pellets and additionally paint filled pellets so it can be useful
both in the sport itself and even for outdoor property target procedure.
Airsoft guns come in a huge range of styles along with models. They can
range from a Glock handgun to a sniper rifle for a CAR15 invasion rifle.
Airsoft guns are utilized equally at home hanging in your livingroom or perhaps
at use relating to playing and participating in field. You can even go in terms
of buying the airsoft minigun. Many airsoft supporters simply get hold of the airsoft
guns without having to get involved in airsoft wargames in any way. This will
be quite similar as various sword extractors – many people display this weapons
at home but will not go playing around waving them all at people today.
Paintball itself is mostly an additional mobile or portable activity. It
requires a specifically better standard of physical health, mobility and also
skill – if you happen to play paintball then you definitely got to have the
ability to move swift. The paintball guns by themselves usually are useful
consequently as they are only created to serve the aim of the paintball sport
versus looking wonderful. Paintball rifles are created to take a true beating
concerning their utility. Paintball fans fall into the ‘extreme sport’ category
and luxuriate in the genuine adrenaline of each and every paintball match as
they are driven from the desire to win.
The significant difference stands out as the power within the guns itself.
Paintball paints are driven by big powered petrol cylinders, unlike airsoft
rifles that fire projectiles possibly through arises, electronic heating mechanisms
or perhaps with pressurized gas. The catch is that the majority of airsoft
weapons lack accuracy of the larger paintball guns simply because were never
built with long range fire at heart.
Regardless about whether that you are a paintball buff or a good airsoft
fanatic, it’s required to take correct safety precautions in using these sport
firearms. Proper eyes protection as safety goggles should always be used, and
desirable protective clothing to hide your the neck and throat and superior
torso also need to be distressed. Even though a lot of people see these sport weapons
as gadgets, they are capable of causing injury either with an accident or maybe
deliberate malice.
If ever the purpose would be to accumulated guns like a leisure process, Airsoft
benefits. Airsoft is good for collecting and playing. However being a hobby,
paintball is in fact the foremost worthwhile. Paintball is usually a sport that
can actually get evaluated, be upgraded, and. made available to the common
people.
This is precisely why paintball will probably end up being crushed by airsoft.
This survey might be rude to a few paintballers available, yet I really believe
the actual report holds true.
The fact is that neither airsoft nor paintball is superior. They’re both a
case of exclusive preference. For everybody who is enjoys the extreme sports
form, then paintball should suit you will more. If you might be more of a
collector, then airsoft.
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